Table of contents for 2018 Travel Guide in Kiteworld Magazine

Kitesurfing is of course fantastic any time, but it’s even better when you get to do it for several days in a row in great conditions and (not always, though it often completes the dream) with beautiful sunshine! Many of you are experienced kiters and will understand the special nature of a kiteboarding holiday. You may already be familiar with many of the destinations contained within this guide, but we have a few new ones too this year, including Viana do Castello in Portugal, Crotone in Italy, Pwani Mchangani in Zanzibar, El Cuyo in Mexico and La Guajira in Colombia. This year we’ve also got the lowdown on several all-adventure trips for those looking for the ultimate out-there experience, from boat adventures to full-on multi-day downwinders. Find those from page…

ON THE WATER Just 90 minutes up the road from Cape Town, Langebaan offers up a very different kiteboarding experience in a massive, spacious, turquoise lagoon that’s ideal for beginners, freestylers, foilers and anyone who needs a break from Cape Town’s seemingly endless swell and, at times, challenging shorebreak. It’s set in the rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty of the west coast with acres of space, white-sand beaches and constant cross-shore winds; it’s certainly one of South Africa’s top kite spots and an ideal place to go if you’re looking to progress your riding in more manageable conditions. The two main spots in Langebaan are Shark Bay (Kleine Oostewal), just on the outskirts of Langebaan village, and Main Beach which is just off the main road and close to…

ON THE WATER You’ll find everything from fun waves out on the reef to flat water lagoons closer to shore in Paje; all next to this authentic little village on the southeast corner of Zanzibar. This destination has something for most riders with huge downwinder potential around remote islands situated just offshore. Being just 90 miles long and 40 miles wide, Zanzibar is ripe for exploration. Paje is the island’s main kitesurfing spot with flat water on the inside at low tide that is protected by the reef. As the tide pushes in the chop and kickers start to form. Tides play a big part in Paje and, for six days each month, the inner lagoon doesn’t even empty! WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The two main seasons run from January…

ON THE WATER Protected by the Mogador Islands and known as the Windy City, you’ll find plenty of space on the water in Essaouira with six miles of beach just waiting to be explored. There’s everything from flat water and cross-shore winds to crosson wave riding conditions and everyone from beginners to experts will find something to keep them busy. The best kiting is found away from town and downwind towards the left side of the bay where the beach is less crowded and the wind is steadier. There’s even some cross-on wave riding there, too. You can score some flat water if you tuck in close to the medina (where the wind is a little gustier as it comes over the town) and there’s standard bump and jump conditions…

ON THE WATER Hatteras Island has seemingly endless flat water and wave spots that are open to all swell and wind directions and perhaps the biggest area of linked-up and varied downwinder terrain on the planet. To the west, in the Pamlico Sound, there’s waist-deep shallow flat water for seven miles out and this is probably one of the world’s best places to learn. Students at most schools are often coached from close quarters by an instructor following them on a jet-ski too! The wind can blow pretty much all year long with over 140 miles of coastline to suit all levels and styles of rider. Due to the bend in the island, no matter what wind direction, you can always find conditions and Cape Hatteras sits well away from…

ON THE WATER Just north of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach enjoys a season that can be up to ten months long with November through to March / April being the peak months. The warm weather, 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches and reasonably close proximity to the beautiful Florida Keys (less than two hours away) make this one of the top kiting locations on the US east coast. The conditions are also ideal for beginners and the local school, Epic Adventures, have their own private beach to teach at. Protective sand bars provide flat water close to the beach at Pompano and you can score some decent wave riding out on the reef in winter. Throughout the year the wind can blow from all directions, but as Pompano Beach is…

ON THE WATER El Cuyo’s uncrowded, shallow water provides a perfect playground for those looking to progress their riding in a laid-back island setting. Nestled on the picturesque Emerald Coast of the Yucatan, here you’ll experience Caribbean-esque conditions without the crowds and you can kite all day before relaxing in the laid-back surroundings of the village of El Cuyo. Kite Beach El Cuyo has a long, empty, white sand beach and the water’s chest deep until approximately 70 metres from the shore. Choose to rip small waves and go on downwinders up to 23 miles long down the coast from there. The wind is usually cross-onshore but changes throughout the year with more side-shore winds occasionally coming through. The El Norte storms that fire up in January and December can…

ON THE WATER Preá beach is considered one of the best kitesurfing spots in Brazil and it’s easy to see why. Strong cross-onshore winds blow across 14 kilometres of sandy beach and it’s ideal for beginners and riders of any level as the beach is wide and there’s plenty of space for launching and landing. Many kiters make the daily trip from Jeri to kite here in the steadier, less punchy winds (before downwinding back to Jeri) and you can enjoy total convenience and stay right on the beach at Rancho do Peixe. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The winds in Preá aren’t quite as nuclear as Jericoacoara (which is just a 20 minute buggy ride downwind) but it blows on average at least 25 knots from the east or northeast…

ON THE WATER There are numerous spots spread out across La Guajira. Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas are found at the northern tip of the peninsula with Riohacha and its surrounding beaches to the south. You’ll find strong winds and butter flat water that’s ideal for beginners or advancing freestylers in Cabo de la Vela from December to September. Although the winds can get up to 35 knots on the stronger days, the wind blows offshore, so as long as you’re competent on those days the water remains super flat at all times and it’s shallow too, so you’re never out of your depth. Punta Gallinas has similar conditions and you can also score some cross-on wave riding at the dunes of Taroa where the bay wraps round.…

ON THE WATER Sitting 50 miles north of Venezuela and with regular flights from Europe, the US and South America, Bonaire is part of the Dutch Caribbean and serves as a hub airport for the southern part of the Caribbean region, so it’s easy to reach. Atlantis Kitebeach is the main spot on the island’s southern tip where you’ll find a sandy beach for launching and landing, steady, unobstructed offshore winds and flat water. The bay is wide so there’s enough space for everyone. Although the winds are offshore, there is safety cover and the flat waters and deep, sandy bottom make this an ideal spot for anyone, from beginner to freestylers as well as foilers. The biggest school on the island, Kiteboarding Bonaire, is right on the beach and…

ON THE WATER Esposende has everything from butter flat water to waves with super-reliable conditions and great weather on tap just 30 minutes drive from the vibrant city of Porto. Beginners and freestylers will love the flat water in the river mouth and wave riders can head across to the ocean side of the beach to ride the Atlantic swells. It’s all there for the taking and the local school, Kook Proof, will show you where to go and provide rescue cover as well. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Esposende gets reliable northwesterly wind for much of the year but it’s most consistent from early April to late October when the thermals kick in. The wind usually ramps up from midday onwards. It’s windy for much of the year in Esposende,…

ON THE WATER There are few kiteboarding locations in the world, let alone Europe, with a reputation like Tarifa and it’s a mecca for European kiters. The wind blows all year round and there are ten kilometres of rideable beach that stretches from the town all the way up to the dunes at Las Dunas. Kiters from all over the world travel to Tarifa and there are more kite schools and kite related businesses in Tarifa than any other kite destination. Even with so much space it can feel quite crowded during the peak months of June and July with several hundred kiters out at weekends, so it’s important to kite in the designated zones due to other beachgoers (Tarifa is a really popular holiday spot for non-kiters too) but…

ON THE WATER Reliably strong winds blow from the left across Sotavento’s vast four kilometre long sandy beach throughout much of the year. The kiting area in front of the René Egli kite centre is a regular world tour stop, most recently for the GKA Kite-Surf World tour - and previously on the freestyle world tour, too. You’ll find choppy water with some flat sections close to shore and there’s the occasional small, but rideable, shorebreak sections as well. Depending on the tides, across the sandbar there’s a waist-deep lagoon that’s ideal for progressing freestylers and beginners (the René Egli centre has the exclusive license to instruct there) and you’ll never be out of standing depth when kiting in it. The onsite facilities are outstanding in Sotavento with air compressors…

ON THE WATER Lo Stagnone lagoon is a 2,000 hectare expanse of kiteable flat water nestled away in the northeast corner of Sicily. The spot works in any wind direction and you can walk straight out of your hotel on to the launch spot. On a southerly you’ll get a warm wind with plenty of lift and on a northerly (the prevailing direction in summer) you can tuck in behind the old ‘salina’ salt plain walls at the north end of the lagoon to ride mirror flat water as glassy as any cable park. The water isn’t tidal, although it can change depending on wind direction, but it’s never more than a metre deep with a soft, silt-covered bottom and reeds in shallower sections. It’s basically twin-tip heaven and you’ll…

ON THE WATER A trip to Keros, on the eastern side of Limnos island, takes you back to how Greece was before mass-tourism. The people are friendly, there’s great food and the kite spot is a safe, sandy three kilometre bay with a variety of conditions to suit all abilities. Add the famous north / northeast Meltemi wind and picture perfect turquoise waters and you’ve found kiting paradise. The Keros bay offers up three different spots: a butter flat section close to shore at the north end, a choppy section in the middle and a small (two to four foot) wave spot at the south end. In a southerly wind the spots reverse, with waves to the north and flat water to the south. It’s sandy and shallow so you…

ON THE WATER Steady winds throughout the year, an array of flat water spots and there’s even some onshore wave riding outside the lagoons on offer, so it’s easy to understand why people are now returning to Kalpitiya season after season. The country’s main kitesurfing region, Puttalam, in the secluded northwest of the country, has been steadily growing in popularity across the last couple of years. The kitesurfing is unique with masses of space and almost limitless downwinder potential across 100 kilometres of terrain and good winds in two seasons in the year. The main and most popular spot is Kalpitiya Lagoon, otherwise known as ‘Big Lagoon’, which is just outside Kalpitiya town. It works best in the dry season between November and early April when the trade winds come…

A TRUE CHALLENGE Surfin Sem Fim (SSF) are one of the most established downwinder / kite ‘adven-tour’ operators going. Top level pro riders, such as Keahi de Aboitiz, Matchu Lopes, Mitu Monteiro, Reno Romeu and Sebastian Ribeiro frequently join the routes to offer coaching along the way Although SSF offer entry-level trips too, a downwinder of the sorts of distance and locations that they have built a reputation specialising in can be as tough as they are thrilling. Their longer trips can be a truly wild experience and much of the time you’ll be away from any signs of human life for long stretches of time. A pick-up truck will follow you on SSF downwinders for most of their routes which will carry your gear between the overnight stops. Be…

WIND VOYAGER You may have heard of Wind Voyager as the headline sponsor for the Triple-S Invitational. They run kiteboarding yacht charters aboard their two luxury catamarans, ‘Cartouche’ and ‘Poseidon’s Pearl’. CARTOUCHE This 95’ custom-built catamaran (one of the biggest in the world) was totally refitted in 2017 and has three en-suite queen guest cabins and one spacious master cabin to comfortably sleep eight guests. Aside from the crew of four there are two instructors onboard and a jet-ski and rib as your support vessels. The boat is also packed with toys, including SUPs, wakeboards and snorkel gear and there’s a kite locker filled with the latest Slingshot and Ride Engine equipment (including foils) for your daily use. There’s even a jacuzzi on the deck for an after session wind-down!…

01-AIRUSH Packing all your kites into your quiver bag can make it heavy, quickly. The Airush Ultra kite may be the answer. A huge wind range means you can get away with taking fewer kites, it’s also 30% lighter thanks to the lightweight but durable one-strut design, folds smaller and therefore also takes up less of your baggage allowance. A versatile design, take it freeriding, in the waves or out foiling! ULTRA SIZES: 15, 12, 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5m www.airush.com 02-BUOY WEAR Buoy Wear hats are the world’s first floating hats that you can wear on the water without fear of them losing their shape after you dunk the hat (and yourself) in the sea thanks to their 100% waterproof and antimicrobial floating core. Available in a range…

ON THE WATER The epic conditions, incredible surroundings and amazing hotels have put Mauritius on just about every kiteboarder’s hit-list. In the southeast corner of the island Le Morne is a goofy footer’s dream. Trade winds blow from the left and there’s a wide expanse of flat water inside the protective reef that lies 600 yards offshore. Beyond that the set-up for wave fun is literally perfect. ‘Small reef’ is a fun, easy wave close to the beach. ‘Manawa’, a kilometre off the beach, is best at high tide and tends to kick up bigger, rolling waves. The infamous ‘One Eye’ lies to the right, isn’t for inexperienced riders and there’s no rescue boat. Situated in the same lagoon 15 minutes drive upwind from Le Morne is Belle Ombre. There’s…

ON THE WATER For six months of the year, Uhuru Beach in Jambiani offers up epic conditions with no crowds across its long beach and vast, sandy bottomed lagoons. You’ll find a range of conditions for all levels of rider with steady ten to 14 metre kite weather, flat water, chop and fun waves from 0.5 to 2.5 metres out on the reef. You’ll not be battling for space either as, even on a busy day, you’ll never see more than 30 kiters out on the water. WIND WEATHER AND WATER The best time to head to Uhuru is during Zanzibar’s summer months from December to March (January and February being the windiest), or during the winter between June and September. The wind blows from the south almost non-stop 24…

ON THE WATER El Gouna has two main spots. At Mangroovy Beach, just north of town, the predominantly northerly winds hit the beach cross / cross-on from the left while the second spot is just five minutes to the south and you can reach either one of them quickly by tuk-tuk! The beaches in El Gouna are tide dependent and particularly so in summer. On a high tide you can ride anywhere but you’ll encounter some shallow spots at low tide, so at that time it’s best to head to the northern end of Mangroovy. On a falling or pushing tide you’ll find some excellent flat water but there’s usually a couple of hours around low when you can’t kite at all. El Gouna is a stellar freestyle spot and…

ON THE WATER Everyone knows about Cape Hatteras but there’s more than one kiting location in North Carolina. Enter the Crystal Coast, where you can expect some raw kiting experiences around Bogue Banks and the adjoining isles and inlets. Bogue Banks is a 21-mile south-facing barrier island which gives easy access to the Atlantic and offers up some incredible riding conditions at Coast Guard Point in Emerald Isle, NC. There’s something for everyone there with waves on the outer bar, flat water on the inside (depending on tides) and you can downwind from one end of the island to the other. On the Atlantic side of the ‘The Point’ there are two large sandbars which kick up some fun, clean surf on a high tide and if you tuck in…

ON THE WATER Nestled in the Sacramento Delta between San Francisco and Sacramento, Pittsburg Waterfront has a custombuilt launching area built especially for kiteboarders with anchor points for self-launching kites and a grass area for chilling out and rigging up. Launching from Pittsburg, you’ll have access to miles-upon-miles of kiting terrain, stretching up to Sherman Island, from where there are weekly downwinders back to Pittsburg. This area gets some of the most reliable wind in the U.S between June and August, but it’s not as crowded as many of the beaches closer to San Francisco and has flatter water, too! More experienced riders will love the freestyle-friendly conditions and the big-air potential when the thermals really ramp up mid-season. For foiling it’s a dream spot with very few obstructions, no…

ON THE WATER Cumbuco is one of kiting’s best-known hotspots that plays host to countless pro riders and travelling kiters throughout the season. It’s also where two-time freestyle World Champion, Carlos Mario, learned his craft. Cumbuco boasts incredible kiting across its long golden-sand beach and the infamous Cauipe Lagoon, six kilometres from town. The beach is ripe for downwinders and you can kite down to the lagoon from town (or go by buggy). Along the way you’ll find chop and small shorebreak and some sandbanks a little further out that can kick up some fun little waves, too. Cumbuco is also the perfect starting point for longer downwind adventures and a number or companies, like Surfin Sem Fim, arrange trips from there covering up to hundreds of kilometres! Cauipe Lagoon…

ON THE WATER Jericoacoara is an idyllic fishing village on the northeast coast of Brazil in Ceara, 330 kilometres northwest of Fortaleza. It’s surrounded by dunes and fresh water lagoons and there’s wind (usually strong) almost everyday from June through to February There are fantastic conditions to be found along the 25 kilometres of beach with something to suit all levels of rider and everything from flat water lagoons to river mouth kickers and ocean waves. There are four tides a day: two high and two low, with the best swell from October through to November. At full and new moons the best waves are at Prea, Malhada or Por-do-so beach. Guriu river is good at low tide and you can downwind there a few kilometres from Jericoacoara itself. Prea…

ON THE WATER This part of the world is gaining a real reputation for wave kiting in particular. On the north coast of Peru, Mancora boasts some world-class wave spots and reliable swell throughout the year. The surrounding coastline is a waveseeker’s paradise and there are waves to suit experienced riders as well as those making their first forays into the surf. This isn’t really a freestyle destination, although you can find one or two spots when the wind and tides line up that are good for tricks, however the beach at the nearby town of Organos is also ideal for beginners and freeriders. At the southern end of Peru lies Paracas on the edge of a large desert National Park. This is a much better spot for freestylers with…

ON THE WATER On the south coast of St Lucia lies a picture-perfect tropical coastline with fantastic, accessible and fun kiting conditions and a chilled Caribbean feel. There are two spots (with centres at each of them), the most northerly of which is Coconut Bay, where there’s something for everyone with flat water, waves and chop to launch off. The winds are cross-shore at Coconut Bay and very steady and if you head upwind you’ll find flat water at the left side of the bay. There’s a rescue boat on hand but you shouldn’t need it as the bay curves round to catch you if you can’t get your kite in the air. There can be a bit of shore-break close in on some days but the swell never gets…

ON THE WATER The area of Cabedelo beach in Viana do Castelo, northern Portugal, is gaining steady recognition as one of Europe’s emerging kiting locations and supposedly has the most consistent wind on the entire Portuguese coastline. Large breakwaters protect the entrance to the port of Viana do Castelo, offering up butter-flat water inside the harbour while you can find world-class waves elsewhere in the bay (the GKA Kite-Surf World Tour is dropping in to Viana this year in June!). The best winds come through in the summer from May to September and it’s normally light in the mornings, giving ample opportunity for an early morning surf, before picking up nicely for beginners by lunch time and increasing in strength towards the afternoon with the strongest winds later in the…

ON THE WATER Sant Pere is one of Spain’s best known kiteboarding locations alongside Tarifa but it’s an entirely different experience with a more sedate atmosphere and ultraaccessible, easy conditions. The kiting happens along a sandy seven kilometre beach with no tides or currents and conditions are safe and suitable for all levels with no major shore break to contend with. ‘Bump and jump’ chop is the order of the day in Sant Pere and if you’re lucky you may also score a session in friendly, chest-high onshore waves. The peak season is in summer when sea breezes offer virtually guaranteed 15 knot onshore kiting in the bay and Sant Pere can be quite busy then, but conditions can still be good outside of these months so consider booking in…

ON THE WATER Whether you’re just starting out, pushing your freeriding or developing your foiling skills, Gizzeria offers fantastic conditions for progression. There’s a huge, accessible and obstacle-free beach to ride from and it’s totally safe, thanks to the relative enclosure of the bay and calm waters. This isn’t just a spot for beginners as Gizzeria also attracts a lot of pro riders thanks to the reliable conditions and each year Hang Loose Beach host an international riding competition called the ‘Aloha Surf and Beach Party’ in July, featuring concerts and all night parties. Hang Loose Beach also regularly host international racing events, such as the TT:Racing European Championships last year. There’s another good spot for improving your riding just 30 minutes away, called Staccato di Cutro. A kilometre upwind…

ON THE WATER Located in the north of Sardinia island, Porto Pollo is an awesome spot for any standard of kiter with its picturesque turquoise water, two large bays and seven kilometres of open sandy beach. The western bay is the designated kite spot with plenty of open space and a large beach that remains unaffected by tides. You’ll find shallow water that’s ideal for anyone from beginners upwards and a wave spot close by, too. Porto Pollo works in any direction of wind and is serviced by a few infamous and reliable wind systems. The Tramontana, Mistral, Poniente and Scirocco take effect at different times of the year and are funnelled through the Sardinian mountains so are often even stronger by the time they reach Porto Pollo. The riding…

ON THE WATER Ada Bojana is a small island in Ulcinj and still isn’t one of the better known kite spots in Europe, but that’s part of its appeal. The steady side-onshore winds from the right that blow along the 14 kilometre long Velika plaža beach make it ideal for beginners, foilers anuple of kilometres downwind with flat water for progressing your tricks. Within 100 metres of the shoreline the water is waist deep with no sharp rocks or reef and the tide state doesn’t vary much, so you can be out as soon as the wind kicks in (usually from midday onwards). As you can imagine, this place is a foilers dream! WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The weather is typically good in Ulcinj with 270 days of sunshine a…

ON THE WATER Mui Ne has two seasons, summer and winter, with good wind conditions 70% of the time. Two wind directions prevail with southerlies in the summer season, running from May to October and in winter from late October to the end of March when it switches to northerly, with stronger and more consistent winds. February and March are the best months with conditions to suit all riders. The wind is lighter in the mornings before picking up and producing chop and wind swell that forms solid ramps later in the day. There is also lots of space. You can foil in the morning until the wind builds in the afternoon, when it blows on through until sunset. Malibu beach is the best wave spot, seven kilometres from Mui…

FREEDOM AND FUN Looking for a slower-paced kite trip, but still want a sense of adventure? Rather than focusing on covering great distances everyday (multi-day downwinders can be up to 15 days long) you’ll usually spend at least a day or two in each of the places you visit on a Freeride Kitesurf trip so that you can get to know the spot before moving on. FIVE ROUTES RIO GRANDE DO NORTE TO GALINHOS: Over 12 days you’ll cover 200 kilometres kiting past tropical rainforests, incredible desert landscapes like the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and surging river mouths, while shredding lagoons and awesome wave spots along the way. TREMEMBE TO IGUAPE: Also over 12 days and 200 kilometres, this time exploring the beaches south of Fortaleza. Fewer people kite this…

Kite Breeze operate in the Cyclades Island group in the Aegean Sea, setting sail from Athens, Paros or Mykonos and then cruising through the islands searching out the best kiting possible on a seven-day kite cruise. Discover spots that few kiters know about, experience the unique culture and cuisine of the islands you visit along the way and relax aboard the 50.5 foot yacht in between sessions and after a long day on the water. No two days are the same and Kite Breeze also offer cruises aboard a catamaran which can accommodate even bigger groups. THE CRUISES The trips take place in the Greek summer season, from May to September. The wind can drop a little from May to June but you can usually expect 15 to 25 knots…

Booking your first kite trip away is something you’ll never forget and the pontificating over where to go, the planning and preparation can be almost as memorable as the trip itself! We’ve compiled some useful hints and tips to help your trip be as epic as possible. WHERE TO GO It’s not just a case of opening your copy of the Travel Guide and booking flights to the first place that takes your fancy. There are things to consider! CROWDS: The best known and most popular spots are almost always the busiest during peak season. It’s great to be around loads of other kiters but it can make your time on the water quite difficult at times - particularly if you’re still a beginner / early intermediate. Instead, consider the…

ON THE WATER Cape Town is one of the world’s true kiteboarding hubs from as early as October right through until March. There are more than 30 kite spots to choose from and every kind of riding is catered for, from flat water freestyle to wave riding in house-sized waves. The southeasterly Cape Doctor winds are powerful, which is why CT plays host to the Red Bull King of The Air, and if you want to break your WOO PB then Cape Town is the place! The majority of kiting around the Cape Peninsula happens in Table View, to the north of the city, where the wind blows from the left and one road runs along the seafront, taking you to every spot in the area. Sunset Beach is the…

ON THE WATER The lagoon at Pwani Mchangani is away from the well known spots of Paje and Jambiani and towards the northern tip of Zanzibar. Your riding will be affected by the tide with two highs and two lows per day. It’s a perfect spot for beginners, freeriders and freestylers with shallow, warm water, steady cross-on winds and a sandy seabed that’s free of urchins, sharp stones or coral. It’s a private beach, so you’ll never be tussling with crowds and there’s something to offer all levels of rider with some decent waves out on the reef, 800 metres offshore. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The peak wind seasons are January to February and June to August but there’s usually good conditions from mid-December to March and from June to…

ON THE WATER Situated on the edge of the Western Sahara, the Dakhla peninsula shelters a 45 kilometre long lagoon from the Atlantic, though you’ll also find some excellent wave riding at Foum La Bouir and a number of other spots along the coast. The GKA Kite-Surf World Tour (waves) will visit the spot at the Westpoint Hotel at Foum La Bouir for the second time in April this year. The lagoon can be ridden at both high and low tide. Ideal for beginners at low tide, it remains waist deep with flat water and no shore break to disrupt your progress as you perfect your board starts. Freestylers and freeriders will also love the acres of space and the flat sections at low tide to explore. Most of the…

ON THE WATER Far away from the mass tourism Egypt has been known for in the past, and 220 kilometres south of the more developed resort of Hurghada, lies El Naaba in Marsa Alam. There are two bays: Beach Bay and Surfers Bay, that are separated by a reef that protects the beach from the shorebreak and focuses the waves out on the reef. Most of the kiting happens in Surfers Bay where you’ll share the space with windsurfers and swimmers and there’s also an additional kite lagoon which is only for kiters. El Naaba is an accessible spot with shallow water close to shore and no shorebreak in the first 200 metres, so it’s suitable for all levels and great if you’re working on your waterstarts. You can even…

ON THE WATER Cocoa Beach has riding locations for all wind directions and the area is a prime kiting destination. The main spot is known as the ‘520 slick’ in the Bicentennial Memorial Park which lies on the south side of the 520 Causeway in the Banana River. This shallow, flat water spot has a grassy rigging area and can be ridden in any direction, but works best in a northerly. Head there in summer when the thermals come in as it usually blows stronger than on the coast. The water is pretty shallow except in the clearly marked boat channels. The bottom is silty but with a few sharp rocks and shells, so booties are a good idea when kiting there. It’s also the natural habitat for dolphins and…

ON THE WATER La Ventana has become a popular option for people looking to escape the North American winter and enjoy the steady northerly winds that blow consistently from November through April. Conditions peak in January and February, making it an ideal winter bolthole. Grab your foil and explore the crystal blue waters of the bay or go on a downwinder from one of four main launch spots. There are numerous launching areas, including the hot springs to the north, Rosta Beach, the campground and south beach near the hotels. January and February can kick up a little swell, and though this isn’t really a wave spot, it is a lot of fun. There’s a serious amount of freeriding and freestyle terrain though and all that open water makes La…

ON THE WATER Icaraizinho has something for any kiter of any level. There’s flat water at the southeast end of the beach, playful one to two metre waves at the north end and standard coastal chop conditions in-between. There’s plenty of space to launch and land and the beach is free of sharp shells or stones, so it’s ideal if you’re still improving and have to walk upwind. There are two classic downwinders you can do that are fun and also accessible for those new to downwinding. Caetanos to Icaraizinho is approximately 15 kilometres with good waves along the way. Icaraizinho to Patos is slightly shorter at 14 kilometres and you’ll find small but rip-able waves as well as some flat water sections along the way on a high tide.…

ON THE WATER You’ll find a peaceful vibe coupled with pumping winds, classic bump and jump conditions and flat water (depending on the tide state) in Barra Grande, as well as a crowd-free glassy lagoon with heaps of space. Situated close to the Delta de Parnaiba, one of the three largest open sea deltas in the world, Barra Grande’s key spot is just off the main beach. On a high tide you’ll find some good kickers in the chop that form ideal launchpads in strong winds. This is a great place to ‘send it!’ At low tide, kite in front of BGK where it’s free of rocks with nice flat water. Two kilometres downwind at the end of Barra Grande beach you’ll find La Boca, a sizeable lagoon in the…

ON THE WATER The three islands that make up the Cayman Islands; Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are just a short flight from Miami and even closer to Cuba. The kiteboarding happens on Big and Little Cayman in picture perfect, warm, tropical Caribbean waters with reliable trade winds making this an ideal spot for comfortable cruising and easy progression. There are two seasons. In summer you’ll get light southeasterly trade winds and in winter the wind blows from the northeast. Winter’s the key kite season with the strongest trades and Cayman’s hairdryer winds make the waist-deep lagoons a perfect place to learn and really progress! There are a range spots on Grand Cayman that the local kite schools will take you to, but the main kiting location is…

ON THE WATER Northeasterly trade winds, warm turquoise seas and brilliant white, powder soft beaches make Turks and Caicos a truly special spot. The main island of Providenciale, locally known as Provo, has an awesome spot for learning, called Long Bay, which has cross-on winds from the left 90% of the time during the season, acres of space, waist-deep water and a sandy bottom for miles. Experienced and advanced riders can shred the island’s many bays and inlets to their heart’s content. It’s not a wave riding destination but if the waves and wind line up then you can score some excellent down-theline conditions at Long Bay. Grace Bay, on the western side of the island, regularly has two to four foot waves on the reef and sandbars, but the…

ON THE WATER Lisbon (which featured in issue 89 of Kiteworld) is a unique destination where you can immerse yourself in an incredible city that’s rich in culture and history and just a short drive from some outstanding kiting, surfing and SUPing spots. Caparica and Carcavelos are the closest kiteable beaches and can be reached within a 15 minute drive from central Lisbon. You can surf there in the mornings before the Nortada winds fire up and both spots are suitable for beginners in the summer when the swell’s low. It’s worth speaking to a lifeguard or local kiter though as conditions can be changeable and kiting is prohibited in some areas during that time. Ericeira, Peniche, Arrábida, Praia Grande and Óbidos are also close by, so there are plenty…

ON THE WATER Flag Beach is one of the best known kite spots in Europe with a long, open stretch of sand protected by reefs at both ends. There are zones for kiters and windsurfers (kiters are upwind to the left) and it blows consistently during the summer months. Not far from Flag Beach is Cotillo, a wave spot well suited to more advanced riders who know where the rocky sections are. There’s also Glass Beach (Playa del Burro) which is about five kilometres from Flag. Located in a nature reserve it works on a mid-to-high-tide, so picking the right time when heading there for a session is key. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The best time to head to Flag Beach is in the summer months when the NE trade…

ON THE WATER Situated on the Ionian coast, Club Velico Crotone Sport Beach sits eight kilometres north of the city of Crotone. This region gets wind from the north / northeast and south / southeast and both directions work well at Crotone. You can get steady winds pushing up to as much as 30 knots during the winter season and 25 knots in the summer months from May to October. June to September are the best months of the year when the water is warmest and the local thermic effects increase the wind strength, so that’s the best time to come if you’re planning on learning to kite in Crotone. There’s a flat water lagoon a few kilometres north which is ideal for freestyle and there are also wave spots…

ON THE WATER Sardinia is known as the Caribbean of Europe and in the southwest of the island you’ll find Porto Botte. The bay is located in a nature reserve with flat water in some sections, small chop conditions and a soft sandy bottom with no hazards to worry about. The water is shallow close to the beach but head 200 metres out and you’ll find foiling depth water and, as the bay isn’t tidal, you can head out for a session any time of day. The infamous Mistral wind is funnelled between St Antioco Island and Sardinia, which increases its strength. The Scirocco wind blows here too, although it can be a little gustier close in to shore. There’s a solid thermic effect in Porto Botte in the summer,…

ON THE WATER Take a three hour drive north of Kalpitiya and you’ll reach Mannar, part of a 50 kilometre chain of sandbars, islands and manmade bridges that almost link Sri Lanka to the Indian mainland. This is a flat water heaven with over 36 kilometres of flat water that has only recently become known to kiters. Kitesurfing Lanka were the first to explore the kiteboarding potential of the area around Adam’s Bridge where you’ll find the same reliable trade winds that Kalpitiya is known for, but without the crowds on the water. They now also run catamaran trips to Mannar from Kalpitiya. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Just like in Kalpitiya, there are two seasons in Mannar. The summer season runs from May until mid-October, while the winter season runs…

ON THE WATER Pranburi is to be found roughly 300 kilometres south of Bangkok on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Situated approximately 20 kilometres south of Hua-Hin there are three main kite beaches in the area. Pak Nam Pran Rivermouth is mainly kited in the winter season (October – January). The shore-break can be quite sizeable at times, but with clean northeast winds there can also be some good wave riding at low tide downwind of the collapsed pier. For flat water lagoon action, hit Khao Kalok at low tide, six kilometres south of Pak Nam Pran. This spot regularly hosts twin-tip racing events and a regional qualifier for the Youth Olympics Games will happen there in March this year. Dolphin Bay is a further two kilometres…

The Kitesurf Expeditions eco-trips venture around some of the most remote and beautiful areas of northeastern Brazil. Respecting the local flora and fauna, you’ll drive on off-road trails, secluded jungle tracks and remote backcountry roads in fully equipped 4x4s, remaining deeply immersed in the natural world at all times. You’ll kite with sea turtles, meet a native Brazilian tribe and rig up under a full moon; this is not your average kite trip! Kitesurf Expeditions’ downwinders operate along a route that starts just south of Fortaleza from Praia do Futuro to Camocim. The trip is broken up into seven shorter legs than can be completed or missed, depending on the conditions. The idea isn’t to rush through the trip, but instead to spend time appreciating the beauty of this incredible…

Zephyr operate kite tours in some of the world’s most exotic and remote kiteboarding locations. Primarily known for their kitesurfing operations in the Cocos Keeling Islands, an area nobody knows better than Zephyr, they also run trips to New Caledonia and the islands of Torres Strait as well as advanced coaching clinics on everything from foils to surfboards and twin-tips. COCOS KEELING ISLANDS 27 islands form a ring around a central lagoon and this is an undeveloped paradise with only two of the islands inhabited by people and just 800 people living there full time. You’ll find limitless space to learn and progress and riders of all levels will be challenged by the coaches to ensure they get the most out of their trip. The waters of the Cocos Keeling…